Ana's POV
I watched Ridley's chest rise and fall with barely contained rage as his cold gaze swept the crowd, a sharp snort escaping him.
"Mr. Cook, I'm here because your father personally invited me. The Collin family stands with yours. And you want me gone because of some pretty boy? How exactly will you explain that to your father?"
I guessed he was still lingering because of the rumors that the Vernon would be here tonight.
Lucas's face crumpled, uncertainty flickering across his features.
The Collin family had climbed fast in recent years—new money, really. Old families like his, with their deep roots and generational wealth, had never truly respected the Collin.
But the Collin had seized their moment, riding industry waves with brutal efficiency.
Every company that partnered with them walked away drowning in profits. He couldn't afford to dismiss Ridley completely.
If he actually threw the man out, his father would skin him alive.
Still...
